Ayasuluk Citadel, Byzantine citadel on Ayasuluk Hill, Turkey.
Ayasuluk Citadel is a fortress situated on a hilltop near Selçuk with fifteen defensive towers, two main gates on the east and west sides, and multiple water cisterns within its stone walls. The complex includes ruins of religious buildings and commands views across the surrounding landscape.
The citadel began as a Byzantine structure in the 6th century and later underwent changes during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. These modifications reflect the shifting powers that controlled the region.
The site houses remains of religious structures, including a medieval mosque and foundations of the Basilica of Saint John. These buildings show how the place held meaning for different faiths across many centuries.
The site sits just a few kilometers from ancient Ephesus, allowing visitors to combine it with multiple archaeological sites in the region. The best time to explore is during cooler months when climbing the hillside is more manageable.
Excavations in 2009 revealed the palace of Isa Bey within the citadel walls, expanding understanding of medieval Turkish architecture. This discovery exposed hidden layers of affluent life from a period often overlooked in the region's history.
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